Renewable Energy Program Technician

blueEnergy is an international nonprofit organization that works to break the cycle of poverty to create a world of sustainable living and opportunity for all. The organization does this by creating opportunities for sustainable development in severely marginalized communities and by developing leaders working internationally for a more equitable, sustainable world.

blueEnergy creates impact in Nicaragua, both locally and nationally, as well as internationally. At the local level, blueEnergy delivers renewable energy, clean water, and other key services to marginalized communities on Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast utilizing a holistic approach to community development and capacity building. At the national level, blueEnergy is facilitating and strengthening a network of renewable energy service providers to expand access to sustainable energy across Nicaragua. At the international level, blueEnergy is playing a lead role in the creation of a network of organizations working with locally produced, small wind turbines for rural electrification.

blueEnergy’s project headquarters are located in Bluefields, Nicaragua. There, the organization recruits a diverse, multi-cultural team of international volunteers and local and international staff. This unique organizational structure amplifies blueEnergy’s impact and provides the volunteers themselves with a transformative experience to help them reach their global leadership potential.

The blueEnergy Group is made up of blueEnergy International, blueEnergy US, blueEnergy France, and blueEnergy Nicaragua. More information is available on our website and in our online newsletter, "the blueNews."

Position Overview:

blueEnergy is looking for talented, committed individuals to join our diverse, dynamic organization, and can offer many opportunities for meaningful personal and professional growth.

Currently blueEnergy is seeking a mature, culturally sensitive, pro-active individual with strong motivation to work in the energy program team in Bluefields, Nicaragua. As blueEnergy's Nicaragua Renewable Energy Program Technician, you will work within the renewable energy team, under the supervision of a program coordinator.

The Renewable Energy Program Technician will contribute to the research and development of renewable energy technologies, document energy related research and activities, help train local technicians and support the execution of energy related project activities, as well as collaborate
in the development of new project profiles and their corresponding budgets.

Candidates must have exceptional teamwork and emotional intelligence, and be able to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities:

• Hands on work to build and implement the appropriate technologies the energy team develops (system conception, purchasing, logistics, preparation, construction and installation of renewable energy systems, repair and maintenance of some of these systems), following the guidelines, processes, formats and policies established by blueEnergy
• Execute community trainings on the different appropriate energy related technologies
• Contribute to the research and development of new appropriate technologies for the energy program of blueEnergy (researching best adapted technologies for our beneficiaries and their socio-economic context, conducting diversified studies, building and studying prototypes)
• Improve the technologies already in use as well as their implementation
• Document the work of the renewable energy team in blueEnergy with reports and other media using blueEnergy templates
• Strengthen the capacity of the renewable energy team through the creation of internal manuals and databases
• Participate in the creation of project profiles and budgets to be submitted to potential funders
• Work with local staff and partners to train them in renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Communicate with energy partners (universities and other organizations) to share experiences and learn about alternative technologies and techniques

Qualifications:

• Good teaching skills and high level of social sensitivity
• Knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Comfortable with using hand tools
• Self-starter, adaptable, resilient and a sense of humor
• Respect for local customs with an open mind and humility
• Intermediate English language (written and spoken) required; fluent Spanish preferred
• Capacity to adapt communication with the interlocutor (willingness to speak Kriol English to Kriol English speaking beneficiaries, adapting technical language to improve understanding of the interlocutor)
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective work relationships in a multi-cultural environment.Pro-active and able to work independently to complete project tasks
• Attention to detail and ability to follow through on task assignments
• Experience working with renewable energy projects is a plus
• Experience working in multicultural teams where teamwork is necessary
• Engineering diploma preferred, especially in mechanics, electricity and/or energy (or corresponding professional experience), but others will also be considered.

Compensation and Fees: Volontaire de Solidarité Internationale” (VSI) contract.

To Apply:

First, please download a copy of our volunteer application here and then utilize the email address provided below to submit it, along with your resume and cover letter, before October 7, 2013.

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Preferable start date would be end November 2013.
• A minimum 24-month commitment is highly encouraged.

Any questions? Contact Fanny Faivre D'Arcier.